Oklahoma reports 596 new cases of COVID-19 and record-high 487 hospitalizations

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The OSDH launched a new COVID-19 alert system Thursday, color-coding counties according to risk level.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 596 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, bringing the cumulative total to 19,092 since the pandemic began. Active cases have surpassed 4,000 for the first time, and a record-high 487 Oklahomans are currently hospitalized. There have been six new deaths reported, bringing the statewide death toll to 416.

Sand Springs reported no new cases for the second straight day. Two more Sandites have recovered from the virus, leaving 17 active cases.

On Thursday the OSDH launched a new COVID-19 alert system that offers the public and local elected officials a clear method to recognize and communicate the current COVID-19 risk level in each county and to guide health behaviors.

The Oklahoma COVID-19 Alert System is a four-tiered risk measurement tool with corresponding color categories that identify the current COVID-19 risk level by county.

“This new COVID-19 alert system marries OSDH’s robust data reporting with additional public health steps that should be considered county by county to confront elevated risks of community spread,” said Interim Health Commissioner Lance Frye, M.D. “The color-coded system is an easy way for business owners, local leaders, and the public to know at a glance when extra precautions should be taken.”

Each color category is based on daily new cases per 100,000 population. The color-coded county map will be updated every Friday as part of the agency’s 11 a.m. Situation Media Advisory and will be based on the 7-day rolling average:

  • Green: 0 < 1.43 daily new cases per 100,000 population

  • Yellow: 43 < 14.39 daily new cases per 100,000 population

  • Orange: > 14.39 daily new cases per 100,000 population

  • Red: > 14.39 daily new cases per 100,000 plus one of four additional gates triggered

OSDH will deem a county as in a high-risk phase if the county is reporting more than 14.39 daily new cases per 100,000 and one or more of the four thresholds occur in the State within a given week.  

  • Statewide ICU threshold: Percent of ICU beds available <5% statewide

  • Statewide Medical/Surgical threshold: Percent of medical surgery beds available <5% statewide

  • Statewide Ventilator threshold: Percent of ventilators available <5% statewide

  • Facility PPE threshold: Average days of PPE on hand and available < 5 days statewide

The State will work with local officials in red counties on a remediation plan.

The red phase is triggered when additionally assessing statewide health system capacity definitions, assumptions and plans in the Oklahoma Hospital Surge Planning Toolkit and with assessing numbers based on hospitals’ bed capacity at 100%. This status indicates statewide, systemic challenges and pressures on the healthcare system resulting from COVID-19.

This new alert system is subject to further revisions. Guidance for each risk category is available for individuals, businesses, high-risk individuals, and children on the COVID-19 dashboard at coronavirus.health.ok.gov.

Tulsa County is currently listed in the Moderate (orange) risk phase with 75 total deaths and 996 active cases. The moderate risk phase indicates greater than 14.39 daily new cases per 100,000 population. On Friday, Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum announced that he has directed the City of Tulsa Legal Department to draft an ordinance for consideration by City Council at their next Wednesday meeting. The ordinance, if passed, will require face-coverings in public places.

The Centers for Disease Control and prevention are reporting 3,106,931 cumulative cases nationwide with 132,855 deaths. There have been 59,260 new cases and 799 deaths reported in the past 24 hours. Oklahoma currently ranks 34th in total cases (39th per capita) and 34th in total deaths (37th per capita).

The World Health Organization is reporting 12,102,328 total cases worldwide with 551,046 deaths. There have been 228,102 new cases reported in the past 24 hours. The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Brazil with 1,713,160 and India with 793,802.

2020 Great Raft Race canceled due to COVID-19

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The Great Tulsa Raft Race, scheduled for Labor Day, has been canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race ran from 1973 to 1991 before being canceled, then was resurrected in 2015 by the Tulsa Young Professional Foundation.

“Due to public health concerns, the Board of Directors for Tulsa’s Great Raft Race, Inc. made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Labor Day event,” reads a Thursday press release. “The safety of all participants and attendees is our top priority, and as COVID-19 cases have risen, we do not feel we can produce an event that properly adheres to social distancing recommendations.”

“We were hoping to get everyone back outside to enjoy the recreational opportunities of the Arkansas River, while also highlighting STEM education principles, but we feel at this time it is best to focus our efforts on 2021 event planning.”

“The Great Raft Race brings thousands of people to the banks of the river every year on Labor Day starting in Sand Springs Case Community Park, floating 8 miles downriver, and ending at River Parks West Festival Park. The event was originally started in 1973 and ended in 1991 before its current revival in 2015. Tulsa’s Great Raft Race, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization, and could not be produced annually without the generous support of our sponsors, corporate and non-profit partners, and hundreds of volunteers that make this Labor Day tradition a reality. We look forward to seeing you on the river in 2021!”

State Question 802 passes, Jadine Nollan and Josh Turley win primaries

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Nearly 700,000 Oklahoma voters turned out Tuesday to vote in the statewide primaries, and to vote on a State Question for Medicaid expansion. State Question No. 802 narrowly passed with 339,747 votes (50.48%) in favor and 333,311 (49.52%) against.

Republican incumbent Todd Hiett handily won his party’s nomination for Corporation Commissioner with 74.58% of the vote, defeating Harold D. Spradling. Hiett, 52, is a Kellyville native and career politician, serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1995 till 2007. He ran an unsuccessful campaign for Lieutenant Governor in 2006, but won the Corporation Commissioner race in 2014. In November he will face Libertarian candidate Todd Hagopian of Bixby.

Republican incumbent Jim Inhofe won a landslide victory for the United States Senator nomination with 74.05% of the vote in a four-man field. Inhofe, 85, has held the office since 1994, and previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives and as Mayor of Tulsa. Abby Broyles, 31, won a four-way race for the Democratic Party nomination for United State Senator. Broyles is an attorney and former broadcast journalist. Broyles and Inhofe will take on Libertarian Robert Murphy and Independents Joan Farr and A.D. Nesbit in November.

Kojo Asamoa-Caesar, 34, won the Democratic nomination for Congressional District No. 1, defeating Mark A. Keeter with 63.63% of the vote. Asamoa-Caesar is a former kindergarten teacher, elementary school principal, and interim director of 36 Degrees North. He will take on Republican incumbent Kevin Hern, 58, and Independent candidate Evelyn L. Rogers, 67, in November.

Republican incumbent Markwayne Mullin, 42, easily held off two primary challengers in the race for Congressional District No. 2. He earned 79.91% of the vote to defeat Joseph Silk (12.7%) and Rhonda Hopkins (7.39%). The Muskogee resident was a rancher and businessman before running for office in 2012.

During his first campaign Mullin promised to only serve for three terms, but announced in 2017 that he would run for a fourth term after all, and is now pursuing his fifth. He will take on Democrat Danyell Lanier and Libertarian Richie Castaldo in November.

Republican incumbent Tom Cole, 71, of Norman, won a landslide race for Congressional District No. 4. He earned 76.34% of the vote to defeat James Taylor (15.18%), Trevor Sipes (5.97%), and Gilbert O. Sanders (2.51%). The former college professor has been a career politician since 1988 and assumed his current office in 2002.

Mary Brannon, 68, won a three-way race for the Democratic nomination for Congressional District No. 4. She received 63.85% of the vote to defeat David R. Slemmons (19.42%) and John D. Argo (16.73%). The retired teacher and school counselor previously won the Democratic nomination in 2018 and received 33.0% of the vote against Tom Cole. Brannon and Cole will take on Libertarian Bob White in November.

Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District saw a field of nine Republicans seeking nomination. Terry Neese, 72, and Stephanie Bice, 46, both of Oklahoma City, will advance to a runoff in August. Neese, an entrepreneur, received 36.49% of the vote and Bice, a State Sentor, received 25.41%. Democratic incumbent Kendra Horn, 44, defeated party challenger Tom Guild in a landslide with 85.69% of the vote.

Cody Rogers won the Republican nomination for State Senate District No. 37 with 50.88% of the vote against Chris Emerson. Rogers, 32, owns a Tulsa paving company. He will take on incumbent Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman in November.

Republican incumbent Jadine Nollan handily won the nomination for House District 66 against challenger Emily DeLozier. Nollan, 61, received 69.12% of the vote and will take on Tulsa Democrat Greg Laird in November.

Tulsa County Court Clerk incumbent Don Newberry won a landslide race in the Republican primary with 75.2% of the vote against Ron Phillips. Newberry, 53, will earn a second term without an additional election as no non-Republican candidates filed.

Dr. Josh Turley won the Republican nomination for Tulsa County Commissioner District No. 2 against Eddy Barclay with 58.04% of the vote. Turley, 47, works for the Tulsa County Sheriffs Office and will take on Democratic incumbent Karen Keith in November.

Other Results:

  • State Senate District No. 1 - Republican: Michael Bergstrom 4980 (64.68%), James Fuser 2720 (35.32%).

  • State Senate District No. 3 - Republican: Blake Cowboy Stephens 4410 (60.43%), Wayne Shaw 2888 (39.57%).

  • State Senate District No. 5 - Republican: George H. Burns 2343 (38.28%), Justin Jackson 2071 (33.84%), Jimmy Westbrook 1706 (27.88%).

  • State Senate District No. 5 - Democrat: Randy Coleman 3893 (76.6%), Bevon Rogers 1189 (23.4%).

  • State Senate District No. 7 - Republican: Larry Boggs 3348 (46.42%), Warren Hamilton 3045 (42.22%), Kevin Woody 819 (11.36%).

  • State Senate District No. 7 - Democrat: Jerry L. Donathan 5125 (64.73%), Cathy Zukosky Thornton 2792 (35.27%).

  • State Senate District No. 13 - Republican: Greg McCortney 5146 (74.5%), Carisa Roberson 1761 (25.5%).

  • State Senate District No. 15 - Democrat: Alex Scott 5070 (61.71%), Matt Hecox 3218 (38.83%).

  • State Senate District No. 17 - Republican: Shane David Jett 4577 (44.18%), Ron Sharp 3453 (33.33%), Brandon Baumgarten 2331 (22.5%).

  • State Senate District No. 19 - Republican: Roland Pederson 6680 (54.44%), David M. Mason 5591 (45.56%).

  • State Senate District No. 28 - Republican: Zack Taylor 5679 (59.32%), Mike Haines 3197 (33.39%), Christian Ford 698 (7.29%).

  • State Senate District No. 35 - Republican: Kyden Creekpaum 3348 (43.8%), Cheryl Baber 2600 (34.02%), Linda Morrissey 1695 (22.18%).

  • State Senate District No. 35 - Democrat: Jo Anna Dossett 4981 (57.2%), Carly Hotvedt 2688 (30.87%), Stan Allen Young 1039 (11.93%).

  • State Senate District No. 43 - Republican: Paul Scott 5683 (49.9%), Jessica Garvin (39.25%), Kaity Keith 1235 (10.84%).

  • State Representative District No. 1 - Republican: Eddy Dempsey 1784 (60.31%), Eric Ensley 1174 (39.69%).

  • State Representative District No. 3 - Republican: Rick West 1852 (53.96%), Lundy Kiger 1580 (46.04%).

  • State Representative District No. 11 - Republican: Wendi Stearman 3096 (55.49%), Derrel Fincher 2483 (44.51%).

  • State Representative District No. 12 - Republican: Kevin McDugle 2514 (52.94%), Justin Dine 2235 (47.06%).

  • State Representative District No. 14 - Republican: Chris Sneed 1952 (60.32%), George Faught 1284 (39.68%).

  • State Representative District No. 15 - Republican: Randy Randleman 2587 (73.27%), Angie Brinlee 944 (26.73%).

  • State Representative District No. 17 - Republican: Jim Grego 2100 (61.87%), Shannon Rowell 1294 (38.13%).

  • State Representative District No. 18 - Republican: David Smith 1733 (61.56%), Brenda Angel 659 (23.41%), Brecken Wagner 423 (15.03%).

  • State Representative District No. 20 - Republican: Sherrie Conley 2748 (56.95%), Steve Herburger 2077 (43.05%).

  • State Representative District No. 24 - Republican: Logan J. Phillips 1401 (52.89%), John Andy Baca 533 (20.12%), Sam Stampler 418 (15.78%), Elijah Harelson 297 (11.21%).

  • State Representative District No. 25 - Republican: Ronny Johns 2035 (68.24%), Gary Rhynes 947 (31.76%).

  • State Representative District No. 28 - Republican: Danny Williams 1845 (54.6%), Jerri Parker 1534 (45.4%).

  • State Representative District No. 30 - Republican: Mark Lawson 3243 (76.13%), Jake Rowland 686 (16.1%), Kate Stromlund 331 (7.77%).

  • State Representative District No. 31 - Republican: Garry Mize 4090 (66.78%), Karmin Grider 2035 (33.22%).

  • State Representative District No. 33 - Republican: John Talley 2455 (53.92%), Brice Nathaniel Chaffin 2098 (46.08%).

  • State Representative District No. 40 - Republican: Chad Caldwell 2412 (56.62%), Taylor Venus 1848 (43.38%).

  • State Representative District No. 42 - Republican: Cynthia Cindy Roe 2921 (61.46%), Nicole Stevens 1818 (38.36%).

  • State Representative District No. 52 - Republican: Gerrid Kendrix 2319 (64.13%), Scot Simco 1297 (35.87%).

  • State Representative District No. 56 - Republican: Dick Lowe 1803 (53.49%), Randy Talley 1568 (46.51%).

  • State Representative District No. 59 - Republican: Mike Dobrinski 4376 (71.73%), Adam N. Masters 1725 (28.27%).

  • State Representative District No. 61 - Republican: Kenton Patzkowsky 2943 (55.77%), Kenny Bob Tapp 2334 (44.23%).

  • State Representative District No. 62 - Republican: Daniel Pae 1243 (74.61%), Robert Johns 423 (25.39%).

  • State Representative District No. 69 - Republican: Sheila Dills 3594 (61.8%), Angela Strohm 2222 (38.2%).

  • State Representative District No. 70 - Republican: Carol M. Bush 3329 (68.08%), Taylor Woodrum 1561 (31.92%).

  • State Representative District No. 71 - Republican: Mike Masters 1301 (48.87%), Beverly A. Atteberry 1184 (44.48%), David Matthew Hullum 177 (6.65%).

  • State Representative District No. 72 - Democrat: Monroe Nichols 1653 (68.96%), Maria Veliz Barnes 744 (31.04%).

  • State Representative District No. 74 - Republican: Mark Vancuren 4009 (85.39%), Brad Peixotto 686 (14.61%).

  • State Representative District No. 79 - Republican: Clay Iiams 1491 (46.45%), Margie Alfonso 924 (28.79%), Maria Mercedes Seidler 795 (24.77%).

  • State Representative District No. 83 - Republican: Eric Roberts 3580 (80.32%), Robert McMaster 877 (19.68%).

  • State Representative District No. 88 - Democrat: Mauree Turner 3036 (52.15%), Jason Dunnington 2786 (47.85%).

  • State Representative District No. 89 - Democrat: Jose Cruz 699 (74.36%), Chris Bryant 123 (13.09%), Cristian Zapata 118 (12.55).

  • State Representative District No. 91 - Republican: Chris Kannady 3802 (79.61%), Bruce Fleming 974 (20.39%).

  • State Representative District No. 94 - Republican: Lauren Rodebush 1201 (58.27%), Franklin Paul Cromack 860 (41.73%).

  • State Representative District No. 95 - Republican: Max Wolfley 1370 (56.96%), Daren Ward 1035 (43.04%).

  • State Representative District No. 96 - Republican: Preston Stinson 2343 (35.44%), Margaret Best 2057 (31.11%), Ken Warner 1843 (27.88%), Chris DeCloud 368 (5.57%).

  • State Representative District No. 99 - Democrat: Ajay Pittman 2833 (51.95%), Susan Porter 2620 (48.05%).

  • State Representative District No. 100 - Republican: Marlyn Stark 2363 (59.1%), Cobi J. Ceron 1635 (40.9%).

POSTOAK announces Farm to Table Wine Dinner as part of Summer Shindigs at the Lodge

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2017 POSTOAK Wine &amp; Jazz Festival.

2017 POSTOAK Wine & Jazz Festival.

OSAGE CO., OKLAHOMA, 6/25/2020 – What do musicians, ranchers, farmers and health instructors all have in common?  A place to meet this summer and provide a bit of relaxation, good food and entertainment to the good people of Tulsa and “Green Country”. 

POSTOAK Lodge Chef Damien Jacob is working with Grassroots Ranch owners Daniel & Maria Rose, and Bob Wickizer of Pecan Creek Winery to offer POSTOAK Lodge’s first Farm to Table Wine Dinner, July 11, 6:30 p.m. The four-course meal with wine pairings is limited to 30 guests and will be served in the Lodge’s most spacious banquet room to ensure physical spacing. Chef Damien has curated a Prime Pork Chop dinner from Grassroots Ranch. It will be served with roasted red pepper polenta, sweet corn, black-eyed pea and green bean succotash. Diners will start with a small bite lamb “gyro’, enjoy a grilled pear salad and wrap up with smoked honey buttermilk ice cream atop berries and sweet oat crumble. 

Chef Damien said “we are excited to offer this true farm to table meal. In addition to what Grassroots Ranch is providing we are also sourcing the dinner from Abundant Microgreens, Crooked Shed Homestead, Farrell Family Bread, Gibson Gardens, Lomah Dairy, Swan Bros. Dairy, Inc. and Wagon Creek Creamery. The honey from Okie Bee Farms is harvested here on our property. Pecan Creek Winery is passionate about making great wines from locally-source grapes, thus, the whole menu will be Oklahoma sourced.”

The July 11 Farm to Table Wine dinner is $65 per person, plus gratuity and taxes. Reservations are required and can be purchased through EventBrite at  https://bit.ly/3et55fn or by calling POSTOAK at 918-425-2112.

The dinner is part of POSTOAK’s “Summer Shindigs at the Lodge”. Trisha Kerkstra, general manager of POSTOAK, said “Like others in the hospitality industry, we’ve been hard hit by the pandemic, and learned how it has also affected musicians, farmers and even yoga instructors. There is no better way to support one another than by offering our property – known for its wide-open spaces- as a venue to carefully create some opportunities for entertainment and relaxation.”

Other “Summer Shindigs at the Lodge” events:

The “Sounds of Summer” wraps up with Jonny Miller on July 2 and the Red Dirt Rangers (RDR) July 9. There is no cost to attend, but donations are encouraged. The Red Dirt Rangers are donating a portion of the proceeds to the Red Dirt Relief Fund, which has granted $136,500 to 46 Oklahoma music professionals since mid-March.  

“Body, Mind & Soul Workshops” include “Rise & Shine Zumba” on July 25 with Dakota Dunn and “Meditation at the Lodge” with Nicole Pearl on August 15. Reservations required with payment in advance 72 hours via Venmo to the instructors for these workshops.

Just minutes from downtown Tulsa, POSTOAK is located around the bend from Gilcrease Museum. POSTOAK boasts 60 guest rooms and ample space for small group gatherings. Book a room and enjoy fishing, swimming, hiking, and even zip-lining.  For more information, call 918.425.2112 or visit  www.postoaklodge.com

POSTOAK Lodge to host "Summer Shindigs" including music, yoga, and more

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2017 Wine and Jazz Festival at POSTOAK Lodge.

POSTOAK Lodge has pulled out all the stops and swung their front gates open wide to welcome in a summer of celebration with their Summer Shindigs! Spring may have had us flattening a curve and tightening our belts - but we did it - together! Come on out for some relaxing live music on Thursday nights, some rejuvenating body and soul workshops on Saturdays, or dinner and room packages. What better place for all three than out at POSTOAK Lodge on 1,000 acres of beautiful vistas?

Summer Shindigs at the Lodge will resume June 25th with the Sounds of Summer Thursdays featuring Denise Hoey and Mike Wilson. From 5:30 to 7:30 it's a BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket - or lawn chair) and enjoy live music in the shade under an Oklahoma sky. Willow Cafe will be open for beverages, snacks and sandwiches, but the music is FREE!  Trisha Kerkstra, general manager of POSTOAK, said “We'll be taking care of our musicians the old-fashioned way and will be passing the hat for donations to support the performers each Thursday. They have been hit as hard as our industry; thus, it is a way we can lighten the load and help one another by giving them a performance outlet and inviting folks out to the Lodge”.

June 27, 2020, kicks off the Body, Mind, & Soul Series on selected Saturdays with Yoga in the Oaks. It might be Zumba one week or Yoga the next, but the body and soul workshops will be inexpensive opportunities to try something new in a spacious and beautiful setting. 

So, come on out to POSTOAK Lodge for some Summer Shindigs filled with social distancing fun! Just minutes from downtown Tulsa, enjoy urban amenities amidst rural extravagances. We are unique, and uniquely safe as Osage County, Oklahoma has cornered the market on social distancing fun!

For more information, call 918.425.2112 or visit  www.postoaklodge.com

Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd gives update on Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman

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OKLAHOMA CITY –Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, issued a statement Friday on Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman’s continuing recovery. The Tulsa Democrat was seriously injured in a collision on the Turner Turnpike while traveling to the state Capitol for the legislative session on May 22.

“On Wednesday, June 10, Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman was released from Kaiser Rehabilitation Center in Tulsa. She returned to her home but undergoes daily rehabilitation treatment for her many injuries. With permission from Allison and her family, I can share that her injuries from the accident included six broken ribs, a ruptured spleen, two vertebrae fractures, and five fractures to her pelvis. She works daily to regain the ability to walk but will use a wheelchair for the time being.

“Although Senator Ikley-Freeman is not available for comment at this time, she and her family continue to extend gratitude to her church, friends, and fellow legislators in the state Senate and House of Representatives for their sustained support. She and her family request continued privacy and prayer for Allison and for the family of the other person involved.”

Sand Springs hits zero active cases of COVID-19 after 34 recoveries

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The number of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma has risen to 5,398 overall with 288 deaths and 4,008 recoveries, leaving 1,102 active cases statewide. The city of Sand Springs now has zero active confirmed cases. There have been 36 total cases with 34 recoveries and two deaths. Case totals only count confirmed diagnoses, and do not account for individuals who are asymptomatic.

In the city of Tulsa, there are 548 total cases with 23 deaths and 445 recoveries, leaving 80 active cases. In Tulsa County there are 787 cases, 37 deaths, and 650 recoveries, leaving 100 active cases.

885 Oklahomans have been hospitalized since the beginning of the pandemic, and 180 individuals are currently hospitalized. No deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours.

On Sunday, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) reported 78 new positive COVID cases, for a total of 5,310 positives, and today the agency is reporting 88 new positive COVID-19 cases for a total of 5,398 positives.

Of today’s new positive cases, 64% were in Texas County, where the agency is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), businesses and the community on a robust testing and tracing strategy to contain and minimize further spread of COVID-19 throughout this region.

The OSDH, CDC, Texas County Health Department (TCHD) and Seaboard Foods have teamed up to increase understanding of COVID-19 spread in the community. The team is working to determine the impact of the novel coronavirus on the population and find solutions to reduce the level of COVID-19 throughout Guymon, the county and surrounding areas.

Since March, OSDH and TCHD proactively collaborated with Seaboard Foods, the largest employer in the area, to develop and implement quarantine and isolation guidelines and contact tracing for all individuals with positive results in Texas County. OSDH also deployed at the company’s request broader testing at Seaboard Foods’ plant operations while providing guidance to Seaboard Foods in implementing the CDC’s guidelines for sanitation and preparation for safely returning to operations.

For several weeks, TCHD has offered COVID-19 drive-thru testing centers at strategic locations in Texas County. Additional testing supplies were provided to local hospitals and medical providers to support testing in the general public, with or without symptoms of COVID-19.

“Our goal is to provide expanded COVID-19 testing while supporting contact tracing efforts to contain and mitigate the spread in Guymon and surrounding communities,” said Oklahoma State Health Department Regional Director Terri Salisbury. “We appreciate the partnership of Seaboard Foods and its strong focus on the health of plant employees and their families.”

On Sunday, May 10, OSDH sent a team of nurses at the request of the company to support testing efforts for Seaboard plant employees to know their COVID-19 status and help bring peace of mind. Seaboard Foods partnered with Oklahoma State University to produce face shields for employees as an additional form of personal protective equipment.

“We appreciate the collaboration to work with the community to find solutions that will help minimize and reduce the level of the virus,” said Seaboard Foods Senior Director of Communications David Eaheart

Through a partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma and The Caring Foundation, OSDH is deploying Caring Vans providing free COVID-19 testing to underserved communities in Oklahoma City, increasing testing accessibility. COVID-19 testing is open to everyone 16 and older; people do not need to exhibit symptoms to be tested. 

This week, a Caring Van will be at the Latino Community Development Agency (lcdaok.com) Monday through Thursday, May 18-21, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Agency is located at 420 SW 10th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73109. Testing at the Caring Van will be open to everyone 16 and older, and people do not need to be exhibiting symptoms to be tested.

COVID-19 testing sites are open in multiple cities in Oklahoma as a result of a cross-county, city and state health system partnership. Visit this page for updated dates and locations. There have been 117,807 negative tests statewide.

The CDC is reporting 1,480,349 cases nationwide with 89,407 deaths, an increase of 13,284 cases and 698 deaths in the past 24 hours.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting 4,628,903 cases worldwide with 312,009 deaths. There have been 100,078 new cases in the past 24 hours.

The United States continue to lead the world in total cases, followed by Russia with 290,678, The United Kingdom with 243,699, Brazil with 233,142, and Spain with 231,350.

CPHS Basketball: Sandites fall 66-60 to No. 1 Booker T. Washington - presented by Inkwell Printing

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Down by three points with 14.6 seconds left to play, Davon Richardson scored through contact and the Catoosa Activity Center erupted with excitement. Unfortunately for Sand Springs, the University of Central Oklahoma-committed senior was called for charging and the storybook comeback wouldn’t come to pass.

The Class 6A No. 9 ranked Charles Page High School boys basketball team (18-7) won the second half against No. 1 Booker T. Washington (20-5) Friday night in the Area Championship, but was unable to overcome a lopsided second period and fell 66-60. The Washington Hornets will advance to the State Tournament, while the Sandites will get a second chance in the Area Consolation bracket Saturday at 6:30 p.m. 

Coverage of the Sandite postseason is brought to you in partnership with Inkwell Printing, the official provider of all Sand Springs athletic gear. Inkwell offers affordable jerseys, spirit wear, and promotional merchandise with fast turnaround and top quality.

Richardson and Marlo Fox drained threes on their first two possessions, then Fox scored two on a steal from Richardson for an 8-0 lead before Kameron Parker got the Hornets on the board with a three. Richardson added two from the charity stripe, but Kansas-commit Bryce Thompson and Oklahoma-commit Trey Phipps scored five on back to back steals. Fox added a second three-pointer, but Washington went on a seven point run and took their first lead on a three from Phipps. Josh Minney hit a layup to end the first quarter 15-15. 

Ijai Johnson and Richardson traded threes to open the second quarter, but the Hornets went on a nine point run before Fox broke it up with a three. Phipps rattled off a trio of free throws, then Jalen Breath and Phipps hit layups for the 34-21 advantage. Fox broke up that run with a reverse layup, Thompson scored two more, then Fox scored two from the stripe to end the half down 36-25. 

The Sandites were a perfect 5-of-5 on three pointers in the first half and outshot the Hornets all around, but Washington had the Sandites drastically outsized in the paint and came away with six offensive rebounds while giving up none, and won the steal battle seven to two.

Sand Springs narrowly won a back and forth third period after a four point run from Minney cut it to 49-39. A five point Sandite streak in the fourth got them as close as 54-47, but a three from Johnson and a dunk from Breath gave the Hornets a twelve-point lead entering the final two minutes. Sand Springs wouldn’t go down without a fight.

Richardson scored two on a steal from Savage, Thompson hit a free throw, then the Sandites went on a run. Fox hit two free throws, then Richardson scored back to back putbacks on steals from Savage and Minney to make it 60-55 with 44 seconds left. 

Savage sent Phipps to the line and the Hornet missed his shot. Minney rebounded and Richardson drew a foul and sank two to make it 60-57. Minney sent Thompson to the line for two and he made both, but Breath fouled Savage on a three and the Sandite hit all three to make it 62-60.

Richardson sent Thompson to the line for one, and it looked like he would have a shot to tie the game up when he scored through contact. But the basket was waved off for charging and he was ejected for his fifth foul as the Sandites’ final hopes evaporated. Phipps and Thompson added three more free throws to end the game.

Thompson led all scorers with 23 points, closely followed by Richardson with 21 points and 10 rebounds for his tenth double-double of the season. Fox and Phipps scored 19 apiece, Minney added 13 for the Sandites and Johnson had 10 for the Hornets.

Sand Springs will return to action Saturday at 6:30 p.m. against the winner of No. 13 Putnam City North (14-9) vs. No. 18 Owasso (12-13). Catoosa High School is located at 2000 South Cherokee Street.

BTW 66 CPHS 60
1Q: Tied 15-15.
2Q: BTW 21-10.
3Q: CPHS 14-13.
4Q: CPHS 21-17.

Free Throws: BTW 13-of-18, CPHS 14-of-15.
Field Goals: BTW 22-of-45, CPHS 20-of-42.
Offensive Rebounds: BTW 6, CPHS 6.
Defensive Rebounds: BTW 16, CPHS 15.
Total Rebounds: BTW 22, CPHS 21.
Steals: BTW 9, CPHS 8.
Blocks: BTW 4, CPHS 2.
Fouls: BTW 11, CPHS 18.

(Sand Springs stats)
Scoring: Richardson 21, Fox 19, Minney 13, Savage 5, Oakley 2.
Offensive Rebounds: Richardson 5, Minney 1.
Defensive Rebounds: Minney 6, Richardson 5, Savage 2, Fox 1, Oakley 1.
Total Rebounds: Richardson 10, Minney 7, Savage 2, Fox 1, Oakley 1.
Steals: Richardson 5, Savage 2, Minney 1.
Assists: Richardson 2.
Blocks: Richardson 1, Oakley 1.
Fouls: Richardson 5, Savage 4, Fox 3, Minney 2, Clark 2, Oakley 1, Askew 1.

(Washington partial stats)
Scoring: Thompson 23, Phipps 19, Johnson 10, Breath 8, Parker 6.
Fouls: Thompson 4, Parker 2, Phipps 2, Breath 2, Johnson 1.

Junior Achievement of Oklahoma Receives $50,000 from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma

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William Cloud, President Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Bob Peters, Grand Master of Masons in Oklahoma, Brian Jackson, Junior Achievement of Oklahoma, Jo Wise, Junior Achievement of Oklahoma, John Logan, Executive Director Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma.

The Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma presented a $50,000 donation to Junior Achievement of Oklahoma Wednesday.

“These dollars will continue support for our efforts teaching the most important life lessons of budgeting, financial investments, philanthropy, and personal finances through Junior Achievement capstone programs like JA Finance Park-Mobile that provide the outreach necessary to serve rural Oklahoma students,” said JA Development Manager Brian Jackson in a statement.

Through hands-on classroom activities and site-based experiences, JA Finance Park students build a foundation for making intelligent, lifelong personal finance decisions. The program includes hands-on in-school activities that culminate with a visit to the JA Finance Park.

The JA Finance Park-Mobile will now include a new philanthropy kiosk named for the Masonic Charity Foundation. The Park-Mobile is dedicated to educating 7.000 Oklahoma middle and high school students in the basics of financial literacy, budgeting, investing, philanthropy, and managing risk, all while reinforcing the value of education and how it affects one’s future.

“The Masonic Fraternity is proud to support financial literacy education programs such as those offered by Junior Achievement,” says Masonic Grand Master Bob Peters. “The financial knowledge gained in this program will empower students to make good financial decisions as they begin their adult lives.”

JA Finance Park takes reality-based learning to a new level by placing students into authentic, tangible, real-world scenarios where they take control of their decisions. JA Finance Park will bring together teachers, community and corporate volunteers, and local businesses to prepare students for adult life.

Oklahoma selects Trump, Biden in primaries, Tulsa County approves Sunday liquor sales

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Incumbent Republican President Donald Trump overwhelmingly won Oklahoma’s Republican Party primary election on Super Tuesday, receiving 92.6% of the vote in a field of six candidates. Joe Walsh, who had already dropped out of the race prior to Tuesday, came in second with 3.7%, followed by Matthew Matern with 1.3%.

Former Vice President Joe Biden won the Oklahoma Democratic Party’s delegates with 38.7% of the vote in a fourteen candidate field. Senator Bernie Sanders received 25.4% of the vote, followed by Senator Elizabeth Warren with 13.4%. Sanders previously won the Oklahoma election in 2016.

295,409 votes were cast in the Republican primary. 303,977 votes were cast in the Democratic primary, which was also open to Independents. No Libertarian candidates filed in Oklahoma. More than 32,000 Oklahomans voted for candidates who had already dropped out of the race.

A Tulsa County proposition to allow Sunday liquor sales was overwhelmingly approved, with 73.3% of voters in support. 106,590 voters responded to the question. Liquor stores in Tulsa County will be allowed to operate as soon as this coming Sunday.

Presidential Primary and Tulsa County Question on Sunday liquor sales scheduled for Tuesday

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Oklahoma voters will take to the polls Tuesday, March 3rd between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to decide the state’s nominees for the 2020 presidential election. In addition to Republican and Democratic primaries, there will also be a Tulsa County proposition to legalize the retail sale of alcohol on Sundays.

Republican voters will choose between incumbent President Donald J. Trump, entrepreneur Bob Ely, attorney Matthew John Matern, former U.S. Representative Joe Walsh, journalist Zoltan G. Istvan, and businessman Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente.

President Trump is the clear front-runner, having already secured wins in five different states. Walsh withdrew his candidacy, but will remain on the ballot. Former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld, who is currently Trump’s closest competitor with 8% of the popular votes to date, is not on the Oklahoma ballot.

Fourteen candidates made the Democratic ballot, and the Oklahoma Democratic Party is holding an open primary, meaning independent voters can also vote. Candidates include former Vice President Joe Biden, hedge fund manager Tom Steyer, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, author Marianne Williamson, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro, entrepreneur Andrew Yang, and U.S. Senator Cory Booker have withdrawn their candidacy, but remain on the ballot.

Sanders is currently leading the Democratic popular vote with 31.1% , followed by Buttigieg with 25.4% and Klobuchar with 16.6%. In estimated delegate count Sanders leads with 45, followed by Buttigieg with 25, and Biden with 15.

None of the Libertarian Party candidates filed for the Oklahoma election.

Senator Ikley-Freeman authors bill to help honeybee population

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Finance Committee has passed Senate Bill 1388, which would incentivize urban gardeners across the state to raise honeybees by giving tax exempt status to any bee product sold. The measure is authored by Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman, D-Tulsa.

Ikley-Freeman said a food desert in her district forced her to look at alternative ways for constituents to access fresh produce. This examination led her to a pollinating force: honeybees.

“Since much of Senate District 37 is in a food desert, many of my constituents have solved this issue by becoming urban gardeners,” Ikley-Freeman said. “There are several great extension programs available that provide folks with seeds to plant their own gardens, but we are unfortunately missing a key factor for successful gardening, which is pollination.”

Ikley-Freeman said that while many people are attempting to grow their own produce, a lack of pollination can make it a fruitless pursuit. For example, it could lead to zucchini plants that never grow a zucchini, she said. 

“Not only will raising bees increase the success of local gardens, but it will also give Oklahomans an opportunity to make their own honey, candy, soaps and lotions, and then sell those products tax free at their local farmers market,” Ikley-Freeman said.

A producer that sells agricultural products directly from their farm, orchard, garden or dairy is already exempt from sales tax. SB 1388 simply adds bee products to the tax-exempt list.

“I’m hopeful this legislation will encourage people across the state to look into beekeeping,” Ikley-Freeman said. “Something as simple as a honeybee could give many Oklahomans a second stream of income.”

The measure now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for a vote. 

Keri Fothergill appointed as Tulsa County District 2 Chief Deputy under Karen Keith

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Earlier this month, Keri Fothergill was appointed District 2 Commissioner Karen Keith’s Chief Deputy. Fothergill replaces John Fothergill who moved to the Tulsa County Treasurer’s Office to serve as First Deputy.

Keri Fothergill comes to Tulsa County from the City of Tulsa where she most recently served in the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development as Development and Constituent Services Liaison. In this capacity, Fothergill coordinated and facilitated business and land development procedures, projects, and programs for the City.

Throughout her career, Fothergill has served in numerous related functions including:

  • Community Involvement Coordinator for City of Tulsa Refuse and Recycling Department

  • Constituent Services/Real Estate for Mayor Dewey F. Bartlett, Jr.

  • Commercial Project Manager/Government Liaison for Williams & Williams Auction

  • Council Legislative Aide for Tulsa City Council

  • Mayoral Aide for Mayor Bill LaFortune and Mayor Susan Savage

  • Event Coordinator for Tulsa Metro Chamber

The Sand Springs resident has also served as Commissioner for the Sand Springs Planning and Development Commissions. She was also a Tulsa Global Alliance Board Member.

“I’ve worked as a public servant since 2001, but this is the first opportunity for me to have my day job impact my own community,” said Fothergill. “Working for the City of Tulsa was wonderful; I look forward to working in District 2 with the people I call friends and neighbors. I will be their champion and help them make an impact not only in District 2 but through all of Tulsa County.”

Echoing Fothergill’s sentiments, Commissioner Keith said “The common thread through all Keri’s extensive experience, which I saw firsthand when I worked with her at the City, is her focus on serving as a liaison between the government and its constituents. This simply made her the best choice for my new Chief Deputy. The ease with which she can develop, coordinate, and implement initiatives that positively affect the community and the local government is just one of the many reasons I approached her about this position. I am so pleased she is on board and am looking forward to all she will accomplish.”

Jack Blair, Chief of Staff for Mayor G.T. Bynum, said of Keri’s movement to the County, “Keri is the most diligent and hard-working person I’ve worked with on a regular basis since I started working with the City. We were very sorry to lose her, but we know she’ll do an outstanding job for the County. The work she’ll be doing is the kind of work she was doing so effectively here—she solves problems for constituents, and she does that better than anyone else I know.”

Those in the development community have also noted how valuable Fothergill will be in her new role at the County.

“Keri is a highly accomplished and credible individual,” said Stacey Bayles, Director of Association Issues for the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Tulsa. “She will certainly be able to build upon what John did and what can be done in the future. She earned her nickname with us as ‘the fixer’ because of her ability to facilitate relationships. It’s what allows the ‘fixing’ to occur. She’s just tremendous at relationship building. We hated to lose her as a partner with the City, but this is an important step for the relevance of the County, and we see it as nothing but a positive move.”

Jeff Smith, Executive Vice President/CEO for of the HBA of Greater Tulsa, expanded on Bayles comments, saying “Honest and accessible, Keri Fothergill recognizes that the issues, problems, and misunderstandings that affect business are not only important for the businesses themselves, but for the public sector agencies that depend on private sector resources. For almost two decades, Keri has provided constituents with the highest level of customer service that is responsive and results driven. In particular, the HBA holds Keri Fothergill in the highest esteem for her industry knowledge and effective communication. Without a doubt, she is the right person to address the needs and concerns of Tulsa County constituents now and in the future.”

CPHS Basketball: Sandites upset defending State Champs, No. 2 Booker T. Washington

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University of Kansas-commit Bryce Thompson dunks in the loss to Sand Springs.

Student section chants of “this is our house” filled the air as Sand Springs toppled the defending 6A State Champions from No. 2 ranked Booker T. Washington (7-3, 4-1) Tuesday night at the Ed Dubie Field House. No. 7 Charles Page High School (11-1, 3-1) led by as many as 16 points in the first half before the Hornets battled back, but ultimately the home team held on for a 66-62 overtime win.

Coverage of the game is brought to you through partnership with Inkwell Printing. Inkwell promises unmatched quality at an unbeatable price. They provide school sports uniforms, fan apparel, promotional merchandise, business cards, and more.

Coming into the season, seventh-year Head Coach Eric Savage had only two teams left in the Frontier Valley Conference that he had not beaten. The Sandites crossed No. 6 Union off that list last month, and now they have taken down No. 2 Booker T. Washington as well. The brutally physical game saw a combined 43 fouls, with four foul outs and one injury.

Five-star University of Kansas-signed senior Bryce Thompson led all scorers with 27 points, followed by University of Oklahoma-commit Trey Phipps with 24, but the Sandites had a more balanced team effort, with three players in double digits.

Marlo Fox scored 22 to lead the Sandites for the tenth time this season, followed by Davon Richardson with 18 points and 12 rebounds for his tenth career double-double. Cason Savage had a season-best ten points.

The home team opened on an 8-0 run with baskets from Fox and Cason Savage, and worked the lead up to an incredible 17-2 before the Hornets battled back to end the quarter 18-9. 

RaShannon Phillips hit a pair of free throws to open the second quarter, but Davon Richardson kicked off another eight-point run to regain the 15-point lead. 

By halftime the Sandites were holding a 33-21 advantage, and Fox added a layup to it to start the third. The Sandites suffered their first big loss just thirty seconds into the half, when Jaeden Hurd had his legs taken out by a Hornet diving for a loose ball. He left the game with a hurt knee and didn’t return. The Hornets went on an eleven-point run late in the third to cut it to 41-39, but Fox ended the quarter with a traditional three. 

Josh Minney hit two free throws to start the final stanza, but soon fouled out and another Hornet run tied it at 46-46 with 5:21 left after a three from Thompson. Fox retaliated with a three and the Sandites remained out front till 2:55 when Daren Hawkins fouled Phillips on a three, and Phillips made it a four-point play to tie it. 

The Hornets drained the clock till 38.2 when Savage fouled Thompson. Thompson made one and the Hornets took their first lead of the game. Richardson tied it with a free throw, then Savage sent Phipps to the line with five seconds left. The Hornet missed both shots and the game headed to overtime. 

Richardson won the tip off and Fox drained a three. Richardson added two more, then Kameron Parker fouled out and Savage made a traditional three for the 61-53 lead before Thompson put the Hornets on the board. Fox added a free throw, Phipps drilled a three, Richardson added a free throw, then Thompson sank a three to make it 63-62.

With 18.6 left Richardson scored two on an inbound throw, then Hawkins added a free throw to secure the win.

Sand Springs will return to action Friday at 8:00 p.m. with a conference road game at No. 10 Broken Arrow (12-1, 4-0). The Hornets will travel to the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in Springfield, Missouri on Thursday.

CPHS 66 BTW 62
1Q: CPHS 18-9.
2Q: CPHS 15-12.
3Q: BTW 18-11.
4Q: BTW 14-9.
OT: CPHS 13-9.

Free Throws: CPHS 13-of-25, BTW 16-of-20.
Field Goals: CPHS 23-of-50, BTW 18-of-57.
Offensive Rebounds: CPHS 8, BTW 5.
Defensive Rebounds: CPHS 31, BTW 18.
Total Rebounds: CPHS 39, BTW 23.
Steals: CPHS 3, BTW 5.
Blocks: CPHS 3, BTW 1.
Fouls: CPHS 21, BTW 22.

(Sand Springs Stats)
Scoring: Fox 22, Richardson 18, Savage 10, Hurd 7, Minney 5, Hawkins 4.
Offensive Rebounds: Hawkins 3, Richardson 2, Fox 2, Hurd 1.
Defensive Rebounds: Richardson 10, Minney 6, Savage 5, Hawkins 5, Hurd 3, Fox 1.
Total Rebounds: Richardson 12, Minney 8, Hawkins 8, Savage 5, Hurd 4, Fox 1, Oakley 1.
Steals: Richardson 1, Hurd 1.
Assists: Richardson 3, Hawkins 2, Minney 1, Savage 1.
Blocks: Minney 3.
Fouls: Minney 5, Hawkins 4, Savage 4, Richardson 3, Fox 3, Hurd 2.

(Booker T. Washington partial stats)
Scoring: Thompson 27, Phipps 24, Phillips 8, Parker 3.
Fouls: Parker 5, Breath 5, Phillips 5, Thompson 3, Phipps 2, Ruffin 2.

CPHS Basketball: Armstead scores 21 in loss to BTW, presented by Inkwell Printing

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The Lady Sandites have made two double-digit comeback wins this season, but they weren’t able to do it against the undefeated No. 1 team in Class 6A. Booker T. Washington (11-0, 5-0) rolled to a dominant 65-39 Frontier Valley Conference win over No. 10 Charles Page High School (9-3, 2-2) Tuesday night at the Ed Dubie Field House, despite a game-best 21-point effort from Sandite sophomore Journey Armstead. 

Coverage of the game is brought to you through partnership with Inkwell Printing. Inkwell is the official provider of Sandite spirit wear, available at both their Prattville store and in the Ed Dubie Spirit Store. Inkwell Printing doesn’t just do shirts, they provide unbeatable quality and designs when it comes to custom apparel, sports uniforms and even banners, promotional products (Mugs, business cards and more), and print design.

The Sandites played aggressive defense throughout the first half and severely limited the Hornets in the first quarter. Armstead scored six points for a 6-5 lead before Wynette Mayberry went on a seven point run to end the period. 

Washington rode that momentum to their first double-digit lead at 21-10 after a three from Carrigan Hill and two layups from Aunisty Smith. Armstead scored her team’s first ten points before Bayleigh Cheney put up a three, then Jade Shrum hit a free throw and Hailey Jackson and Sophia Regalado scored in the paint to end the half 34-18. 

By the end of the third-quarter the Hornets were up 51-29 and they took a 26-point lead with 4:55 left in the game. Armstead hit a two and Cheney rattled off three from the charity stripe to make it 59-39, then Washington ended on a six-point run against the Sandite third-string. 

Armstead led all scorers, closely followed by Mayberry with 20. Smith was the only other player to score in double-digits, putting up 12. Both teams had eight players on the scoreboard, and Jackson had a career-high 18 rebounds. 

Washington will return to action next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. with a conference home game against Owasso (3-9, 1-2). Sand Springs will travel to Broken Arrow (6-5, 2-1) Friday at 6:30 p.m. 

BTW 65 CPHS 39
1Q: BTW 12-6.
2Q: BTW 22-12.
3Q: BTW 17-11.
4Q: BTW 14-10.

Free Throws: BTW 9-of-14, CPHS 9-of-18.
Field Goals: BTW 26-of-66, CPHS 14-of-48.
Offensive Rebounds: BTW 13, CPHS 10.
Defensive Rebounds: BTW 25, CPHS 24.
Steals: BTW 12, CPHS 6.
Blocks: BTW 2, CPHS 1.
Fouls: BTW 18, CPHS 13.

(Sand Springs stats)
Scoring: Armstead 21, Cheney 6, Jackson 3, Burris 3, Padilla 2, Regalado 2, Shrum 1, Jordan 1.
Offensive Rebounds: Jackson 8, Jordan 1, Regalado 1.
Defensive Rebounds: Jackson 10, Padilla 5, Armstead 3, Shrum 2, Cheney 2, Burris 1, A. Hughes 1.
Total Rebounds: Jackson 18, Padilla 5, Armstead 3, Shrum 2, Cheney 2, Burris 1, Jordan 1, Regalado 1, A. Hughes 1.
Steals: Armstead 2, Shrum 2, Padilla 1, Brown 1.
Assists: Armstead 1, Jackson 1, Burris 1.
Blocks: Burris 1.
Fouls: Armstead 4, Jackson 2, Regalado 2, Padilla 1, Shrum 1, Burris 1, Jordan 1, Cheney 1.

(Booker T. Washington partial stats)
Scoring: Mayberry 20, Smith 12, Reed 8, Jones 6, Hill 5, Johnson 5, Nunez 5, Williams 4.
Fouls: Johnson 4, Reed 3, Williams 3, Hill 2, Smith 2, Mayberry 2, Jones 1, Anderson 1.

City of Sand Springs receives award for Water Fluoridation Quality

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Shell Lake is one of two water sources for Sand Springs, the other being Skiatook Lake.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) recently announced that 13 water systems have been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the year 2018.

Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing tooth decay. The award recognizes those communities which achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent optimal level of fluoride in drinking water throughout 2018.

During 2018, a total of 1,656 public water systems in 30 states received these awards, including 13 in Oklahoma.

“The Oklahoma State Department of Health supports community water fluoridation and recognizes the practice as beneficial to all who drink and use the water,” said Dr. Jana Winfree, director of the OSDH Dental Health Service. “Preventive dental care programs, such as community water fluoridation, make a real difference in improving the health of Oklahomans.”

Community water fluoridation has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th Century. CDC recommends water fluoridation as one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable, and safe measures a community can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health.

“Water fluoridation is one of the best investments that a community can make in maintaining the oral health of its citizens. It is equally as effective in preventing cavities in children and adults,” said Casey Hannan, acting director of the CDC Division of Oral Health. “Fluoridation is also highly cost effective. Studies continue to show that for every $1 a community invests in water fluoridation, $20 are saved in dental treatment costs.”

The following water systems received awards:

  • Bartlesville

  • Chickasha Municipal Authority

  • Madill

  • Muskogee

  • Oklahoma Ordnance Works Authority (OOWA) – Pryor

  • Oklahoma City – Draper

  • Oklahoma State University – Stillwater

  • Ponca City Municipal Water

  • City of Sand Springs

  • Stillwater

  • Tahlequah – Tenkiller

  • Tulsa – A.B. Jewell

  • Tulsa – Mohawk

CPHS Basketball: Lady Sandites win Bishop Kelley Invitational, presented by Inkwell Printing

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The Class 6A No. 12 ranked Charles Page High School girls’ basketball team (4-1) won its fourth Bishop Kelley Invitational title in the past five years Saturday night at the Bishop Eusebius J. Beltran Activity Center, 54-41 against No. 18 Jenks (3-2).

Coverage of the event is sponsored by Inkwell Printing, the official home of Sandite sports apparel. Inkwell offers shirts, hats, jerseys, and a variety of promotional merchandise options for athletic teams, churches, businesses, and more.

Inkwell Printing
1 W 41st St,
Sand Springs, OK
74063
(918) 508-3634

Sand Springs won three-straight Bishop Kelley titles from 2015-2017, then took third place in 2018 before reclaiming the throne this year behind a 25-point performance from sophomore Journey Armstead. Armstead was named All-Tournament MVP, and Madison Burris also made the All-Tournament team.

Journey Armstead and Madison Burris were named to the All-Tournament team. Photo courtesy of Becky Tanner.

Hailey Jackson was first on the board, rebounding a shot from Armstead. Armstead hit a pair from the charity stripe, then Raegan Padilla took a steal coast to coast for a 6-0 lead. The Trojans wouldn’t be stymied for long, as Trinity Jackson broke up the Sandites’ run, and Makenna Burch scored a layup and a free throw for the lead.

Sand Springs broke up the nine-point run with a pair of free throws from Jade Shrum, then Armstead closed out the period with a layup and two free throws for the 12-11 lead.

Jenks briefly took the lead early in the second period at 16-14, but the Sandites went on an 11-2 run for a comfortable 25-18 halftime advantage.

Trinity Jackson scored the first points of the second half, but Sand Springs rattled off ten-straight for a 35-20 advantage with baskets from Hailey Jackson, Armstead, Burris, and Padilla. The Trojans went on a streak of their own to cut it to 35-29, but Armstead got the final say of the quarter.

Burch swished a three to kick off the final stanza, but Sophia Regalado rebounded a missed free throw for two, and Padilla hoofed a steal down to Armstead for two more. Armstead stayed hot with a free throw and another layup to reclaim the double digit advantage.

Burch hit a three to make it 51-41 with a minute to play, but the Sandites ran out the clock, Shrum added a free throw, and Jackson made an easy to end the night.

Armstead led all scorers with 25, closely followed by Burch with 20. Hailey Jackson was the only other player in double digits, scoring 10.

Sand Springs will return to action Tuesday at Owasso (2-2), while Jenks will travel to No. 19 Bartlesville (3-2) next Friday. The Sandites and Trojans will meet again on January 7th in the first of two Frontier Valley Conference battles.

CPHS 54 Jenks 41
1Q: CPHS 12-11.
2Q: CPHS 13-7.
3Q: Tied 11-11.
4Q: CPHS 18-12.

Free Throws: CPHS 14-of-29, Jenks 12-of-16.
Field Goals: CPHS 19-of-48, Jenks 13-of-37.
Offensive Rebounds: CPHS 5, Jenks 8.
Defensive Rebounds: CPHS 17, Jenks 24.
Total Rebounds: CPHS 22, Jenks 32.
Steals: CPHS 13, Jenks 8.
Blocks: CPHS 3, Jenks 6.
Fouls: CPHS 15, Jenks 22.


(Sand Springs stats)
Scoring: Armstead 25, Jackson 10, Shrum 5, Padilla 5, Jordan 4, Regalado 4, Burris 1.
Offensive Rebounds: Burris 2, Jackson 1, Padilla 1, Regalado 1.
Defensive Rebounds: Regalado 4, Padilla 3, Shrum 3, Burris 3, Armstead 3, Jackson 1.
Total Rebounds: Burris 5, Regalado 5, Padilla 4, Armstead 3, Shrum 3, Jackson 2.
Steals: Burris 5, Padilla 3, Jackson 2, Shrum 1, Jordan 1, Regalado 1.
Assists: Padilla 4, Armstead 1, Burris 1, Jordan 1.
Blocks: Armstead 1, Jackson 1, Burris 1.
Fouls: Burris 3, Shrum 3, Padilla 3, Jordan 2, Armstead 2, Jackson 2.

(Jenks partial stats)
Scoring: Burch 20, Jackson 9, Morris 6, Bebee 4, Johnson 2.
Fouls: Ellis 5, Jackson 4, Burch 4, Brown 3, Morris 2, Bebee 1, Johnson 1, Robinson 1. Berry 1.

CPHS Band Director Kyle Wright awarded OkMEA Exemplary Teacher Award, Sandites march in Tulsa Veterans Day Parade

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Charles Page High School Band Director Kyle Wright was recently named as the upcoming recipient of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OkMEA) Exemplary Teacher Award. Wright will receive the award on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at the OkMEA Winter Conference at DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Tulsa.

To qualify for the award, teachers must have completed at least 15 years of active service as a music teacher and/or music administrator and must be a member of OkMEA for a minimum of 10 years. They must also demonstrate excellence in the teaching of music, as evidenced by competitions, awards, and peer or administrator statements. Exemplary teachers are nominated by their peers, recommended by the OkMEA Awards committee, and confirmed by the OkMEA Executive Boad.

Wright is married to Sarah Wright and has three children. Jack Molly, and Maggie Wright are all percussionists. Wright was a trumpet student of James Gilmartin and Ron Predi before graduating Muskogee High School in 1990. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Tulsa and has completed further study at the University of North Texas.

Wright’s performing career includes being a founding member of Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey with whom he performed nationwide before turning to a career in teaching band. He began his teaching career at Berryhill High School and led the group to an OBA Grand Championship for marching band (their first in the 3A classification). After studying at UNT, he taught for a couple of years in the Carrolton-Farmers Branch School District in Texas before coming to Charles Page High School in Sand Springs.

The CPHS Gold Pride Marching Band recently participated in the OSSAA East Regional at Northeastern State University last week. The band received an Excellent rating for their performance.

In their first performance of the year the Sandites placed 3rd in 6A and 6th overall at the East Central University Tigerpalooza Marching Festival. At the Branson Marching Invitational they were 4th in their class and 7th overall.

Most recently the Gold Pride marched in the 101st Annual Veterans’ Day Parade in downtown Tulsa.

Future events for the band include the December 6th Festival of Lights Christmas Parade in Sand Springs, and a December 7th performance at the Hometown Holiday Christmas Celebration in Sand Springs. The Fine Arts Winter Showcase is scheduled for Thursday, December 12th at the high school.

City of Sand Springs passes new ordinance on public toplessness

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The City of Sand Springs passed an ordinance Wednesday afternoon designed to provide clarity on the subject of public toplessness for both men and women. In effect, it is still legal for both men and women to go shirtless in public, so long as it is not done “for the purpose of causing alarm or disturbance.”

Although Sand Springs Police will continue to respect the 10th Circuit ruling on female toplessness, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Department, who also has jurisdiction in Sand Springs, has said they will continue to enforce State laws on the subject.

Ordinance No. 1344 amends the City Code of Ordinances on Outraging Public Decency to read the following:

“Every person who willfully and wrongfully commits any act which grossly injures the person or property of another, or which grossly disturbs the public peace or health, or which openly outrages public decency, including but not limited to urination in a public place, and is injurious to public morals, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Injurious to public morals shall be defined as:

  • Knowingly engage or participate in any obscene performance made available to the public; or

  • Any person to publicly expose to public view:

    • Their genitals, pubic hair, buttocks, perineum, anal region or public hair region.

    • Any device, costume, or covering, which gives the appearance of or simulates the genitals, pubic hair, buttocks, perineum, anal region or pubic hair region.

    • Display in view of the public, for the purpose of causing alarm or disturbance, of any portion of a person’s breast/chest at or below the areola thereof;

      • For persons 10 years of age and under.

      • For the act of breastfeeding a child

      • For the purpose of a medical emergency.”

The department had previously announced that they would be allowing women to go topless in public in order to offset potential lawsuits like the one filed in Fort Collins, Colorado.

In 2015 the City of Fort Collins, Colorado enacted an ordinance restricting public female toplessness, leading Brittiany Hoagland and Samantha Six to sue the City on behalf of the “Free the Nipple” movement. A district court sided with the plaintiffs in 2017, and the City appealed the decision. On February 15th, 2019, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the district court’s decision in a 2-1 vote.

In Free the Nipple v. City of Fort Collins, Circuit Judge Gregory A. Phillips states “we recognize that ours is a minority viewpoint. Most other courts, including a recent (split) Seventh Circuit panel, have rejected equal-protection challenges to female-only toplessness bans…None of these decisions binds us, though; nor does their sheer volume sway our analysis.” Judge Mary Beck Briscoe sided with Phillips.

Circuit Judge Harris L. Hartz wrote a dissenting opinion, saying the Fort Collins ordinance “does not discriminate against women on the basis of any overbroad generalization about their perceived ‘talents, capacities, or preferences.’ To the extent it distinguishes between the sexes, it is based on inherent biological morphological differences between them.”

Though the court’s opinion was rendered in February, it didn’t go viral till September when Fort Collins decided not to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. The City had already spent more than $300,000 defending the ordinance, and did not want to spend additional public funds on a case they weren’t sure they would win.

“Free the Nipple” advocates have claimed that the ruling, and Fort Collins’s subsequent decision not to appeal it, in effect legalized public female toplessness in Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, as well as portions of Yellowstone National Park extending into Montana and Idaho.

In reality, it’s not that cut and dry. Individual ordinances will still need to be challenged at the state and municipal levels, and local governments have the ability to continue enforcing those ordinances until they are ordered by the courts to stop.

The Oklahoma City Police Department issued a statement saying that they “will continue to enforce the law as outlined by City Ordinance and State Law as this preliminary injunction issued by the 10th Circuit Court is in reference to an appeal specific to the City of Ft. Collins in Colorado. Therefore, someone in OKC who is in violation of the law could be city and/or jailed as this is a misdemeanor crime.”

On the other hand, the Tulsa Police Department initially stated that the court decision did apply, and they would not be arresting or ticketing women who went topless in public areas. The Tulsa County Sheriffs Department also stated they would abide by the court’s ruling, even allowing toplessness at the Tulsa State Fair, since it is a public event. Both agencies reversed course following a statement from Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter saying that “the ruling does not automatically invalidate local and state laws in Oklahoma.”

"The Tenth Circuit’s preliminary decision in the Fort Collins case – a case that has now ended without a full adjudication – does not change local and state laws in Oklahoma on the subject,” Attorney General Hunter said. “The majority of courts around the country that have examined this issue have upheld traditional public decency and public nudity laws. These courts have recognized that states and political subdivisions have a legitimate interest in prohibiting public nudity as traditionally defined."

Hunter cited a May ruling by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld a similar ordinance in Springfield, Missouri, and a 2017 ruling by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld a similar ordinance in Chicago, Illinois.

“The 10th Circuit’s ruling made preliminary conclusions about the Fort Collins ordinance, but did not decide the law’s ultimate constitutionality. Because the Fort Collins ordinance was repealed, the 10th Circuit’s ruling likely cannot be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. In conclusion, the 10th Circuit’s ruling is not binding on Oklahoma state courts.”

There is currently a lawsuit pending before the United States Supreme Court, challenging a ban on topless women in New Hampshire. The Court has yet to announce if it will hear the case.

Sand Springs Police to uphold Appellate Court decision legalizing female toplessness in public places

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Public female toplessness has recently taken social media by storm following a 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that initially appeared to legalize it in the six states under the Court’s jurisdiction. Now the waters have been muddied regarding where exactly the laws have changed.

In 2015 the City of Fort Collins, Colorado enacted an ordinance restricting public female toplessness, leading Brittiany Hoagland and Samantha Six to sue the City on behalf of the “Free the Nipple” movement. A district court sided with the plaintiffs in 2017, and the City appealed the decision. On February 15th, 2019, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the district court’s decision in a 2-1 vote.

In Free the Nipple v. City of Fort Collins, Circuit Judge Gregory A. Phillips states “we recognize that ours is a minority viewpoint. Most other courts, including a recent (split) Seventh Circuit panel, have rejected equal-protection challenges to female-only toplessness bans…None of these decisions binds us, though; nor does their sheer volume sway our analysis.” Judge Mary Beck Briscoe sided with Phillips.

Circuit Judge Harris L. Hartz wrote a dissenting opinion, saying the Fort Collins ordinance “does not discriminate against women on the basis of any overbroad generalization about their perceived ‘talents, capacities, or preferences.’ To the extent it distinguishes between the sexes, it is based on inherent biological morphological differences between them.”

Though the court’s opinion was rendered in February, it didn’t go viral till September when Fort Collins decided not to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. The City had already spent more than $300,000 defending the ordinance, and did not want to spend additional public funds on a case they weren’t sure they would win.

“Free the Nipple” advocates have claimed that the ruling, and Fort Collins’s subsequent decision not to appeal it, in effect legalized public female toplessness in Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, as well as portions of Yellowstone National Park extending into Montana and Idaho.

In reality, it’s not that cut and dry. Individual ordinances will still need to be challenged at the state and municipal levels, and local governments have the ability to continue enforcing those ordinances until they are ordered by the courts to stop.

The Oklahoma City Police Department issued a statement saying that they “will continue to enforce the law as outlined by City Ordinance and State Law as this preliminary injunction issued by the 10th Circuit Court is in reference to an appeal specific to the City of Ft. Collins in Colorado. Therefore, someone in OKC who is in violation of the law could be city and/or jailed as this is a misdemeanor crime.”

On the other hand, the Tulsa Police Department initially stated that the court decision did apply, and they would not be arresting or ticketing women who went topless in public areas. The Tulsa County Sheriffs Department also stated they would abide by the court’s ruling, even allowing toplessness at the Tulsa State Fair, since it is a public event.

On Monday, Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter released a statement saying that “the ruling does not automatically invalidate local and state laws in Oklahoma.”

"The Tenth Circuit’s preliminary decision in the Fort Collins case – a case that has now ended without a full adjudication – does not change local and state laws in Oklahoma on the subject,” Attorney General Hunter said. “The majority of courts around the country that have examined this issue have upheld traditional public decency and public nudity laws. These courts have recognized that states and political subdivisions have a legitimate interest in prohibiting public nudity as traditionally defined."

Hunter cited a May ruling by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld a similar ordinance in Springfield, Missouri, and a 2017 ruling by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld a similar ordinance in Chicago, Illinois.

“The 10th Circuit’s ruling made preliminary conclusions about the Fort Collins ordinance, but did not decide the law’s ultimate constitutionality. Because the Fort Collins ordinance was repealed, the 10th Circuit’s ruling likely cannot be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. In conclusion, the 10th Circuit’s ruling is not binding on Oklahoma state courts.”

Following Hunter’s statement, the Tulsa Police Department changed course, but not before dozens of women skated topless down the Riverside trail system Sunday evening. The department said, following AG Hunter’s guidance, they will continue to ticket or arrest women who go topless in public.

The Sand Springs Police Department, however, will continue to abide by the Appellate Court’s decision, according to Police Chief Mike Carter. Carter provided Sandite Pride News with the following statement Monday evening at 7:30 p.m.

“We respect the authority and jurisdiction of the 10th Circuit which covers the State of Oklahoma. If we encounter situations where the conduct crosses the line to be in a lewd and lascivious manner, we will still enforce the state statues or city ordinance. If the conduct is not done with the intent of being obscene or sexual in nature, we will not as the Court has ruled that women have an equal protection under the law. We hope that this is a passing issue as we would like to concentrate our time and effort on crimes that are worthy of our attention.”

For now, women seeking to go topless in public should reach out to their local police department to find out if local or state ordinances will be enforced. Additionally, displaying the breasts in a non-sexual manner may be protected in some areas, especially in regards to breastfeeding, but sexual activities will likely violate public lewdness laws in most jurisdictions.

There is currently a lawsuit pending before the United States Supreme Court, challenging a ban on topless women in New Hampshire. The Court has yet to announce if it will hear the case.